history - Town of North Castle

NORTH CASTLE
HISTORY
[Collection of Mary Milo1
HENKER'S FARM, 1989
THE NORTH CASTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Volume 30
--
2003
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Joan Krantz (4)
Debbie LeDone
Barbara Massi (6)
Mary Milo
Robby Moms (1)
Jack Paschke
Thca Pitassy (3)
Susan Bohm (2)
3. Stuart Brown (2)
Jody Pember Burns
Barbara DiGiacinto
Judy Early
Vincent Fiore (2)
Becky Kittredge
Constance Quarrie
Jag Rao
Ree Schultz
Sharon Tomback (4,5)
Doris Rnch Watson
Melissa Taylor White
Edward Waodyard (6)
Ex-Officio: Doris Finch Watson, Town Historian
(1) President
(3)Treasurer
(5) Corresponding Secretary
(2) Vice President
(4) Co-Recording Secretary
(6)Trustee-at-Large
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Family $30 * Individual $20 * Sustaining $50
Patron $100 :& CorporatelSusiness $100
Life Member $300 paid once
The North CasUe Historical Society is chartered by The Regents of The
University of The State of New York.
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
Sharon Tomback, Editor
Judy Early
" Marjorie Moore * Doris Finch Watson
%chard Koenig, Photography
The North Castle Historical Society is not responsible for the accuracy of
statements and signed articles.
Any reprint of material appearing in North Castle History must give
specific credit to the author and The Society.
Table of Contents
President's Letter
Words From the Civil War by Doris Finch Watson
Some Slaves in North Castle by Sharon Tomhack
Rye Lake Bridge, State Road Route 22
Henker's Farm by Leonard Pouder
Henker's Farm & the Banksville Fire Emblem
by Doris Finch Watson
A Salute to John Schnoor by Sharon Tomback
Trustees of The North Castle Historical Society
2
3
16
23
24
28
30
33
Photographs, Drawings and Maps
Front Cover
The Henker Farm as it appeared in 1989
6
Civil War Supply Wagons, Belle Plain, Virginia, 1864
8
David Clauson Banks from Daguerreotype, 1862
9
David Clauson Banks' Discharge Certificate, 1864
Walter Banks (d. 1882)
10
10
Banks Family Farmhouse, Bedford-Banksville Road
David Clauson Banks Home, Banksville, c. 1922
11
William S. Finch (d. 1934) and Ella B. Finch (d. 1893) 11
Children of William and Ella Finch, c. 1894
12
Walter S. Finch (d. 1961) and Emma M. Finch (d. 1967) 13
Mrs. David Clauson Banks with Grandsons Walter S.
13
and William E. Finch at Banksville Home
David Clauson Banks with William E. Finch,
14
Walter D. Finch and William E. Finch, Jr.
14
Sarah Ann and David Clauson Banks, 1898
21
Emancipation of Rachel, a Mulatto Girl
Two Views of Rye Lake Bridge under Construction,
23
State Route 22, 1910-1911
Girls Washing Vegetables, Henker's Farm, 1980s
25
26
Map Showing the Henker Farmland, c. 1950
The Henker Farm, 1992
26
The Henker Farm, 1993
26
"Henkers Farm", 2003
27
28
Victor Mead, Frank and Ernie Henker, 1991
Henker's Farm from Banks Farm Road, 1989
28
Frank, Gertrude and Ernie Henker, 1991
28
Banksville Independent Fire Company Emblem
29
John Schnoor, 1986
32
1
,. ,,
W BEDEORD ROAD ARMONK. NEW YORK I B M
*d.<"*UI1
U.",*ll*rE4lt.l
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Dear Friends,
-- - -----,
President's Message
I
As I approach the end of my first year as President, I continue to be
amazed at the amount of time and effort expended by our committed
volunteers. Yon are the lifeblood of our Society! While our volunteers
provide the manpower, the financial contributions provide the fuef for us
to operate. Our membership continues to grow and special donations are
always welcome. This year's two fundraising events were outstanding.
Both the 2ndAnnual North Castle Wine & Food Festival (initiated by
h o n k Rotary) and the Society's 25" Annual h o n k Antiques Show
were terrific community events. (The 2004 Antiques Show will be April
17" and IS'.)
Our docents, off for the winter, will be back to work the beginning of
April, when we will be open to the public Wednesdays from 2:OOpm4:OOpm and Sundays &om 2:OOpm-5:OGpm. In addition, group tours are
provided by appointment. The Colonial Crafts Days for hundreds of area
4' grade students are outstanding events and because of their success, we
are adding a special program for pre-school age children this March.
Maintenance of the four historic buildings is ongoing. Several permanent
exhibits are on display at the Educational Complex. Temporq exhibits
change seasonally. Annual publications continue. A 'lost' cemetery was
discovered in Middle Patent. In short, there is a lot going on at the historic
complex on Route 22. Volunteer to help and encourage others to come by
and see what we are all about.
A very special 32nd Annual Meeting is planned - a professional
presentation about the spy Major Andre, who was held in North Castle
before his execution. Plan to join us April 4" at Smith's Tavern.
"Thank You!" for your help and guidance and for continuing the work of
preservation and education - the mission of our Society.
CHARTERED BY THE REGENTS OF TI-IF,UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YOKK
WORDS FROM THE cIvn WAR
From David C. Banks
by Doris Finch Watson,
North Castle Town Historian
A Civil War Soldier's timeworn letter reads:
Harewood Hospital1, Washington, D.C.
May 20", 1864
Dear Wife,
I have received no letter from you yet, but expect one today. I
thought to have a letter yesterday, but was disappointed. As I
remarked in my last, I have had but one letter from you in one month,
but I am to blame for that, for I have been moving from place to place
so much that I at first thought it better for you not to write until I had
got settled down, but I cannot go without hearing from home and will
risk your writing at least twice a week until you hear of my removal
from here.
I feel about the same - my head feels as large as a bushel; I
have no appetite and am quite thin. I have no idea how long I may
stop here - it may be twenty-four hours, and I may stop here three
months. Every day or two we are visited by a different Surgeon and
each will have some remark to make on each patient's case according
to his own judgment, and in nine cases out of ten differing with the
Surgeon who made the previous visit. For instance, we have one
young man in the ward that I am in who is ruptured - a perfect case
of hernia, and the Surgeon who has had charge of him for a number
of days past has had him on light duty, telling him it amounted to
nothing - and this morning we were visited by another Surgeon who
examined this young man's case and asked him how long he had been
in this condition. He answered three months. The Surgeon told him to
keep very quiet and he would have his papers made out for his
discharge -- this is the way we get along in an institution of this
magnitude.
'
Located on the fm of W.W. Corcoran, 7" Street NW near the Soldiers Home,
Harewood Hospital was supervised by Surgeon Reed Bontecou. The Hospital
held nearly 2,000 beds. At one time an additional 1,872 beds were provided on
the grounds in 312 hospital tents. [nmhm.washingtondc.musenm/exhibits]
3
Active operations in front appear to be at a standstill - at
present it is believed here that ere many hours roll around the most
deadly and hardest fought battle of the war will be opened. May God
grant us victory and cover our brave soldiers with glory, vanquish the
enemy, and bring this war to a speedy termination. From all that I
can learn, I fear that Gen'l. Grant has paid dear for all he's gained
thus far in this Campaign, and even now Gen'l. Lee claims the
Victory. The fact is this, Gen'l. Grant has failed to march steadily
along to Richmond as he expected, and Gen'l. Lee has thus far been
successJZl1in keeping him out ofRichmond.
There is no lack of sympathy with our cause now in the loyal
states, and I doubt not but Grant will take Richmond this campaign,
but the cost will be great in life and the best blood of our country.
I think I have written you a long letter i f not an interesting one,
but you know I am where I cannot hear or see much, so you must
excuse my letters being dry and without interest, and I'll atone by
telling yon how very much I love my dear wife and pets,' and how
very anxious I am to get home with them once more. Home! How
that word sounds to me now. It appears to me I never realized the
meaning of that word until I lost my health. How many poor soldiers
never will see home again. God grant that I may be spared to go
home to my wife and be a Citizen again. Write soon.
Your affectionate husband.
David C. Banks
P.S. Give my love to our parents and kiss our Pets for me. I have
no tobacco nor money to buy with.
One may wonder about that sentence, "God grant that I may be
spared to go home to my wife and be a Citizen again." Did his prayer
he did come home.
come true? YES, thankf~~lly
"Pets" was a term of endearment David used to refer to his daughters. He
lovingly called Sarah Ann "Wife".
A.
BACKGROUND
DAVID CLAUSON BANKS was a member of one of North
Castle's oldest and founding families. He was a great-great grandson of
Samuel Banks, who came to Middle Patent circa 1698, and whose family
name is still carried on today in the hamlet of BANKSVILLE.
David C. Banks was born in Bedford, New York on October 20,
1827, the son of Walter Banks and his wife, Mary Dayton. Walter Banks
was the Superintendent of the large Jay Farm, which had been inherited
by the son of John Jay, the great statesman and first Chief Justice of the
United States Supreme Court. Thus, David and his sister, Lavinia, grew
up in this fine atmosphere and attended Bedford Schools. He must have
played on the old village green where in Revolutionary days Lt. Col.
Tarleton4 had led his British troops to bum and ransack the town. Young
David probably enjoyed sitting around the country store and listening to
the talk of those who had lived through the war. Like many young boys,
he may have dreamed of being a soldier. Little did he know that the day
would not be too far off when he would enlist to fight for his country.
THE YOUNG MAN
After completing his education, young David began a career as a
carpenter, and as his success grew he decided to move to Rye, New
York. There he built up his trade until he was an expert building
contractor. In 1852, at age twenty-five, he married Sarah Ann Field, the
~ Fields
daughter of Stephen Field and his wife M a ~ y~ r o m w e l l . The
were prominent in the Quaker Church and affairs of Purchase. Sarah
was the eldest of eight, having seven younger brothers who welcomed
and teased David, their new "brother".
The new couple made their home in Rye, and their three
daughters were horn there. Sadness came into their lives in 1856 when
3
The land was purchased in 1703 by Mr. Jay's grandfather. By 1801, Jobn had
acquired 750 acres. The home is on Route 22 between Bedford Village and
Katonah. [nysparks.state.ny.us]
Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton and his troops burned and ransacked private homes
as they moved from Pound Ridge to Bedford and down Route 22 to North
Castle. The burning of Bedford occurred July 1779 and has been well
documented by several sources.
Family genealogy taken from the private collection of Doris Finch Watson.
5
Mary, their first little girl, died at age three, just a few months after her
little sister was born. In 1861 a third little girl was born, and they named
her Carrie.
When the war between the North and South erupted, David was
one of the first to give his service to his country. He enlisted and was
assigned to Capt. David F. Wright's Company B, 51'' Regiment of New
York volunteers6 on September 7, 1861 at age 34. He was assigned to
medical duty and put in charge of a hospital wagon and tents. He had
full charge of ordering medicines and medical supplies and transporting
them to hosnital tents.
SUPPLY WAGONS AT THE LANDING
BELLE PLAIN, VIRGINIA (1864)
The world in which he lived during the Civil War is best
understood in writings from his diary. Here are entries from a few pages:
Sunday, Nov. 23rd,1862. The weather clear and pleasant. This
morning I went out on a hill in front of our quarters to take a view
of the Rebel encampments. They are in strong force on the other
The 51" Regiment, New York Volunteers contained six Companies of Shepard
Rifles, two of Scott Rifles and two of Union Rifles. The Regiment fought at
New Beme, Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Spotsylvania,
Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Appomattox. Recruited at New York City and
assigned to General Bumside, the Regiment left Annapolis January 6, 1862 for
Roanoke Island. [51stnewyorkinfantry.tripod.com]
6
side of the river and I could plainly see seven siege guns mounted
and entrenchments thrown up last night. I understand that our
trains have gone to Belle Plain today after Pontoon bridges to
throw across the river at this place.
Monday, Nov. 2dth,1862. The weather clear and pleasant. The
Rebs on the other side of the river are drilling in plain open sight
of us. We expected to have an artillery duel with them this
morning, but for some reason it has been deferred. A number of
the Rebs have forded the river and come over to us. They say that
they will fight at this place until there is not a man left - this is just
what we want.
Thursdny, Nov. 2 f h (1862). A beautiful clear morning and mild
as May. We are all happy that we have so fine a day for
Thanksgiving - although we have no means of raising anything
extra in the way of eatables. Our dinner today is Pork and Beans
with hard bread and coffee, and I think we are lucky to get that.
At any rate we will not grumble.
Saturday, Nov. 29th (1862). The weather clear and cool. Our
forces are building up the depot at Falmouth station7 and the road
is now in good running order. Our greatest trouble here at
present is the want of tobacco, which sells for two and three
dollars per pound and scarce at that.
Monday, Dee. 8" (1862). The weather very cold, and six of our
pickets froze to death in the posts last night. I went to Aquia
Creek again today after more medical supplies. The Potomac is
frozen nearly across and the ice in the Creek will bear a horse.
There are now eight engines on the tracks and supplies are being
rapidly moved up to Falmouth and intermediate stations.
Sunday, Dec. 14"' (1862). The weather clear and pleasant. The ball
opened this morning early and the most terrific fighting I ever witnessed
was the battle of today.8 The battle of Antietam news is completely
Falmouth Station, near Fredericksburg, Virginia.
The Battle of Fredericksburg, December 11-15, 1862. Union casualties were
estimated at 13,353. [americancivilwar.com]
7
thrown in the shade. Our loss up to this time cannot be less than seven
or eight thousand.
Thursday, Dec. 18'" (1862). The weather clear and cool. No more
fighting. We think we are nicely whipped. Sent a few hundred more
wounded to Washington. Dr. ~ e o n a r dis~constantly amputating and is
covered with blood from head to foot.
Friday, Dec. 19'" (1862). The weather cool and freezing hard nights.
We again sent a number of our wounded to Washington and continue to
amputate limbs of the wounded. We buried thirty-four men today who
died from the effects of their wounds.
Thursday, Dec, 251h(1862). The weather warm and pleasant. Today we
sent the remainder of our wounded to Washington. Except four who
were thought to be dying. Two died this evening. I sent a letter to father
today.
Saturday, Dec. 2 9 (1862). The weatlter clear and pleasant. We have
struck all of our hospital tents and are packing up for a move. I had my
daguerreotype'0 taken today and sent it to w$e.
(Collection of Dotis Finch Watson)
I),i\'lD Cl.,\USOX HANKS FROM 'I'Ht' D h G i ' E K l l l i ~ ~ Y l ' E
\\'I-IICH HE SENT '1'0"W IFIS" (1862)
William H. Leonard was made Assistant Surgeon, 51" New York March 1862
and Surgeon October 1863. [collectorsnet.com]
lo See December 27, 1862 diary entry. He sent "wife" a small, locket-size
daguerreotype.
8
Thursday, Jan. IS' (1863). The weather clear and cold. This is a
holiday and I never wish to see another celebrated as this has
been. Almost everyone is intoxicated and a great many beastly.
Truly our army is demoralized when our generals and their Staff
are as drunk as brutes in front of their soldiers. I have been very
busy writing all day and this has been no holiday for me. I
received a letter from wife today.
I
and sick he spent weeks in the
After David was both
Harewood Hospital in
C. His military service had
exposed him to much
death, including the Battle of
Fredericksburg and the
After three years of service
he was discharged on September 21, 1844.
(Collection of Doris dnch Watson)
DAVID C. BANKS
..."DISCHARGED FROM THE SERVICE" (1864)
1
David came back . . . leaving ehind the bloodshed and death
scenes that had been part of his everyda life. He was home at last with
his family. He began to regain his heat'th and then began work again in
his contracting business.
The years passed. David's contracting business continued to be
successful, and the two daughters, Ella and Cmie, attended Miss Life's
School for Girls, which later became Rye Country Day ~chool." David
and Sarah Ann decided it was time to move back to North Castle to the
farm of his father, Walter Banks, a gentleman who was known as "Uncle
Walter" to all who knew him in his later years.
THE FARM YEARS
David continued his building business, and he and Sarah Ann
hired workers to run the large farm. In addition to the animals and crops
raised on the farm, they owned property and a mill across the street from
which still stands
the house. Those were busy times. The farmhou~e'~,
today, is located on the west side of Bedford-Banksville Road a short
distance north of Brookwood Road.
(Both Photographs Collection of Doris Finch Watson)
BANKS FAMILY FARMHOUSE
WALTER BANKS (1798 - 1882)
The home was a gathering place for family and friends. Among
young Ella's guests was a youth named William S. Finch; their
friendship turned to romance, followed by their wedding in 1874.
William was the son of Marvin N. Finch, whose family dates to 1720 in
Rev. William Life and his wife, Susan, established The Rye Female Seminary
in 1869. In 1896 the Misses Harriet and Mary Stowe purchased The Seminary.
In 1921 The Seminary merged with a local boys' school and became The Rye
Country Day Schools. [rcds.rye.ny.us]
The house has been extensively remodeled over the years. Richard and Diana
Zeltner lately owned the house.
''
10
the Banksville area. Marvin Finch was the owner of Finch's Store, the
only store in the area, and was also the U.S. Postmaster of ~anksville.'~
David's father, Walter, died in 1882. David and Sarah Ann's
younger daughter, Canie, married William Close in 1883. With both
girls gone, David decided to sell the farm. He purchased land from
Marvin N. Finch, his daughter Ella's father-in-law, and built a home just
north of the Finch Store. They moved to their new home complete with
trellises, picket fences, and lovely old shade trees. It was a picturesque
little village with a country store, white country church and tree-lined dirt
roads.
DAVLD CLAUSON BANKS' HOME, BANKSVILLE, NEW YORK (1922)
Bedford-Banksville Road was unpaved and had towering trees.
(Both Photographs Collection of Doris Finch Watson)
ELLA BANKS FINCH
WILLIAM SUTMERLAND FINCH
(1852-1934)
(1856-1893)
l 3 Later, Banksville mail was transferred to the Greenwich Post Office and then
to the Bedford Post Office.
11
SOCIAL LIFE
As Sarah Ann had been raised in the Quaker faith, she and David
often attended meetings at Purchase, and other times they attended the
Middle Patent Methodist-Episcopal Church where their daughter, Mrs.
William Finch, was a devoted and active member. The whole family
attended the popular Strawberry Festivals, they enjoyed visits to the local
store where news of the hamlet was learned, and they both visited
neighbors and welcomed friends to their home.
JOY AND TRAGEDY
Daughter Ella and William Finch brought great joy to David and
Sarah Ann when they made them grandparents, not once but four times
over the next several years. The children were: Gertrude, Walter,
William and Mary Helen. When little Mary Helen was six months old,
great sorrow befell the family. Ella died of pneumonia in 1893. She was
only thirty-seven years old. David and Sarah Ann took the grandchildren
to live with them.
(Collection of Doris Finch Watson)
WULIAM, MARY HELEN, GERTRUDE, WALTER (c. 1894)
CHILDREN OF WILLIAM AND ELLA BANKS FINCH
David's beloved Sarah Ann died in their Banksville home in
1908 in her eighty-third year. David's grandson, Walter, had married a
few years before, and he and his wife Emma Miller came back to live
with David and care for him. Missing his dear wife, David began taking
long walks, often walking to Greenwich some nine miles away. He
12
claimed he needed the exercise. He loved his grandchildren and took
great pleasure in being with them and his great-grandchildren.
(Both Photographs Collection of Doris Rnch Watson)
WALTER SUTHERLAND FINCH
(1876-1961)
EMMA MILLER FINCH
(1876-1967)
(Collection of Doris Finch Watson)
DAVID C. BANKS HOME, BANKSVILLE, NEW YORK (c. 1889)
Mrs. David Clauson Banks (Sarah Ann) is coming down the steps.
Grandsons Walter S. and William E. Finch are by the front
fence petting the kittens. The house burned in 1937.
(Collection
~
.... of Doris
. - Finch
...~~
~ - Watson)
..
~--,
~
~~~~
DAVID c.'BANKS, GRANDSON AND GREAT GRANDSONS
[I-r] William E. Finch, Walter D. Finch, David C. Banks
and William E. Finch, Jr. (1918)
THE EI'INAL TRIP
After a very full life, in 1921 David Clauson Banks was laid to
rest beside his dear Sarah Ann in The Middle Patent Rural Cemetery.
His ninety-foour years of life had been witness to so much -to happiness,
to heartbreak, to the ugliness and pain of war, to the coming of stearn
engines, wireless, automobiles, telephones, electricity, trains and much
more. But now he was surrounded by seven generations of his family
who all lie in Banksville's old country cemetery near the white church,
the Mianus stream and the every-changing hillsides. Peace is theirs.
(Collection of Doris Finch Watson)
SARAH ANN FIELD AND HUSBAND, DAVID C. BANKS (1898)
14
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Atlas of New York and Vicinity from Actual Surveys by and under the
Direction of F.W. Beers 1867, Pub. F.W. Beers, A.D. Ellis and G.G. Soule, New
York, 1867.
Atlas of the Rural Country District North of New York City Embracing the
Entire Westchester County. New York also a Portion of Fairfield County,
Connecticut 1908. Pub. E. Belches Hyde, Manhattan & Brooklyn, New York
1908.
Banks, David Ciauson, Personal letter of May 20, 1864, Collection of Doris
Finch Watson, and Jonmal of War Service, 1862, Excerpts in Collection of
Doris Finch Watson.
Deeds of Property, Westchester County, New York, Private Collection of Doris
Finch Watson.
Finch, Walter S., Personal recollections as told to his daughter, Doris Finch
Watson, prior to 1961. Banksville.
Finch, William E., Jr., Field Genealogy, Privately Issued, Greenwich, 1946; and
Banks Genealogy and Family Memoirs (Manuscript), both Privately Issued,
Greenwich, 1940.
Gravestone of Ezekiel Finch, 1801, located on Conyers Farm, North Street,
Greenwich, Connecticut.
Mead, Spencer P., Ye History of Ye Town of Greenwich, reprinted by Harbor
Hill Books, Harrison, New York 1979.
The Middle Patent Rural Cemetery Associates, Books and Files of Interment
Records 1743-2004 and Plot Maps. Banksville, New York.
Shonnard, Frederic and Spooner, W.W., History of Westchester County,
reprinted by Harbor Hill Books, Harrison, New York 1974.
U.S. Army Discharge Papers of David C. Banks, Issued on September 21, 1864,
Washington D.C. signed by R.B. Bontecon, Surgeon U.S. Vol. in Charge.
Collection of Doris Finch Watson.
Watson, Doris Finch, Finch Genealogy, Privately Issued, Banksville 1960 with
assistance of William E. Finch, Jr., Greenwich Town Historian.
World Wide Web, Various Electronic Sites as Noted in Text.
SOME SLAVES IN NORTH CASTLE
by Sharon Tomback
Early in 1755 a Slave Census was conducted in North Castle.
following two records survive.'
The
"North Castle, May 4,1755
This Comes to let you know that Aron Fonnan has one Negro man
Named franses and George Knifin has two Negro men one named
pomp and the other Cuffe and Thomas Golding has one wench
named Elizabeth and Antoni Trip has one Negro fellow Named
Ned and a wench Named francis and Roger Lyon has one wench
Named Mereum and Samuel Banks has one wench Named Marget
and %mothy Carpenter has one wench Named Susanah
This from your friend to serve, AARON FBR1MAN Capt"
"NORTH CASTLE A list of ye Nagros in Captine
~ n s e n b e r ~ Company
's~
for ye year 1755
Robert Dikensen3, 1 man, Dick
Nathaniel Carpenter, 1 wench, Dinah
Able Weeks, 1 man, Lewis
Joseph Sutton, 2, a inan and woman, Roger and Dorrity4
Peter Toten, 1 man, prins
Elias Clap, 1 man, ~ a r o w '
Caleb Fowler, 1 wench, peg
Elizabeth Fowler, 1 wench, Teen"
The Slave Census of 1755 appears on pages 855 and 856 Volume III of
The Documentarv History of the State of New York by E. B.
O'Callaghan, M.D. published in 1850 and on page 634 of J. Thomas
Scharf's History of Westchester County, Volume I1 published in 1886.
'
Misspellings and capitalization errors are intentional. Copied frorn
NYGenWeb's Westchester County website rootsweb.com.
J. Thomas Scharf, Historv of Westchester County, Volume IT, 1886, New
York, page 634 reported as Dnsenbury's.
Ibid, reported as Dickenson.
Ibid, reported as Dorithy.
Ibid, reported as Narow (Nero).
'
'
16
Anti-Slavery Measures
Between 1777 and 1804 the tenitory of Vermont and the states of
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New York and New Jersey passed taws to abolish slavery.
Slavery was not abolished Federally until 1865. Interestingly, in 1641
the Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth Colonies had been the first to
authorize slavery (loc.gov/exhibits/African).
1790 Federal Census, Slaves
The First Census of the United States (1790) reported that 7,796
families in New York were holding slaves. Eighteen of those
families, holding twenty-nine (29) slaves, were in N o a h Castle.
Because New Castle was divided from North Castle in 1791, some of the
households may have been in the New Castle portion. Those reported as
owning slaves in North Castle in 1790 were:
Hannah Smith, 2
Abraham Waring, 1
Jonathan Hobby, 1
Ann Banks, 1
Jonathan Platt, Junior, 1
Jonathan Platt, Senior, 1
Roger Lyon, 5
Miles Forman, 1
John Martin, Senior, 5
Thomas Green, 1
Samuel Dickenson, 1
John Wright, I
Charles Haight, Senior, 2
William Hunt, 2
Gabriel Archer, 1
William Wright, 1
Abraham Miller, 1
Thomas Ferris, 1
1790 Federal Census, All Other Free Persons
The 1790 Census allocated five (5) categories: Free White Males 16
years and upward, Free White Males under 16 years, Free White
Females, All Other Free Persons, and Slaves. The following eleven (1 1)
households reported a total of forty-three (43) persons in the "All Other
Free persons" category:
Ann Banks, 2
James Platt, 1
Miles Forman, 3
Andrew Sniffin, 1
Anthony Tripp, 1
Thomas Fenis, 1
James Underhill, 1
Francis (Free), 10
Cuff, 6
Lazarus, 10
Amos, 7
1800 Federal Census, Slaves
The Second Census of the United States (1800) reported 20,613 slaves in
New York. Twelve (12) of those slaves were reported in the Town of
North Castle by the following nine (9) slave owners:
Joseph Lyon, 3
Abraham Miller, 1
Nathaniel Purdy, 1
Thomas Ferris, 1
John Smith, 1
Jeremiah Green, 1
David Hobby, 1
James Banks, 1
Joshua Knap(p), 2
1800 Federal Census, Others Free, except Indians, not Taxed
The 1800 Census reported twelve (12) households with thirteen (13)
persons in the "Others Free, except Indians, not Taxed" category:
Anthony Trip(p), 1
Peter Lyon, 1
Solomon Rundel
(Rundle), 1
John Ferris, Junior, 1
Hanison Palmer, 1
Thomas Ferris, 1
John Smith, 2
Thomas Hopkins, 1
David Hobby, Junior, 1
Joshua Smith, 1
John May, 1
James Banks, 1
<'EveryChild Born of a Slave to be Free as the Law ~ i r e c t s " ~
John and Sarah Smith reported on September 14, 1800 that Hany "a
male child belonging" to them was born in the Town of Harrison on
November 17, 1799. A male child named Robert belonging to John
Smith was born October 15, 1813. His birth was entered on the record
February 14,1814.
Widow Hannah Smith of Middle Patent reported November 12, 1802
that a female named Tamer was born February 14, 1801. A female child
named Gin belonging to Solomon Rundle was born August 20, 1805.
The information was recorded March 20, 1806. Samuel Lyon reported
that his slave Peg, otherwise called Margaret, gave birth to a female child
named Jerusha on May 7, 1804.~
Historical Records North Castle, Volume 2, page 264, Armonk, Town of North
Castle, 1986.
Slaves Bequeathed by Capt. Roger Lyon
The Will of Capt. Roger Lyon, probated June 3, 1797, gave slaves "Pate"
and "Roser" to his two daughters Sarah, wife of William Wright, and
Glorianna, wife of Andrew Sniffin. Capt. Roger Lyon was the son of
John and Hannah (Banks) Lyon. His North Castle home stood near
Chestnut Ridge Road and the Danbury Post Road (Route 22):
Society of Friends on the lssue of slavery9
As early as 1767 the question of slavery was debated within the Society
of Friends. The Purchase Quarterly Meeting of May 2, 1767 proposed to
forward to the Flushing Yearly Meeting the following: "If it is not
consistent with Christianity to buy and sell our fellow-men for slaves
during their lives, and their posterity after them, then whether it is
consistent with a Christian spirit to keep in slavery those we have already
in possession by purchase, gift, or any other way..."10 should be resolved.
Ten years later the Purchase Monthly Meeting received a report that a
committee had "visited nearly all of those within the verge of this
monthly meeting that hold slaves and hereby inform that a considerable
number have been declared free under hand and seal since last year."11
In 1785 a group based in the Quakers of Long Island organized as the
New York Manumission Society. The group had strong economic
support and became socially and politically effective. Members wrote
newspaper editors asking them to cease advertising slave sales. The
group provided free legal help to slaves.
Political Debate on the lssue of Slavery
Rev. Dr. Richard Price, a well-know theologian, reported that in a
September 27, 1785 conversation with John Jay, Mr. Jay felt "that men
should pray and fight for their own freedom and yet keep others in
kichard N. Lander, "The Lyon Family of North Castle", North Castle Histo%
Volume 13, 1986, Arrnonk, The North Castle Historical Society.
Other religious groups were opposed to slavery. In 1784 "The Christmas
Conference" of the Methodist Church passed a resolution against holding slaves.
However, the Quakers were more organized, outspoken and active.
lo Historical Records North Castlemew Castle, Volume 1, page 61, Town of
New Castle, 1975.
Ibid.
'
"
19
slavery is certainly acting a very inconsistent, as well as unjust and
perhaps impious, part."'2
In 1799 the New York State Legislature passed "An Act for the Gradual
Abolition of Slavery." Slave owners were allowed to keep their younger
slaves for most of their productive lives. All children born to slave
women after July 4, 1799 were freed - but not until the males reached 28
years and the females reached 25 years. Slaves owned before July 4,
1799 remained slaves for life and were reclassified as 'Indentured
Servants'. In 1817 a statute was passed - to become effective tens years
later on July 4, 1827 -- giving freedom to New York slaves born before
July 4, 1799 (www.yorktownhistory.org, December 2003). In 1801 the
New York State Legislature passed an Act that a person could be bound
by Indenture by his, or her, own free will, with the consent of a parent or
guardian or by Justices or Overseers of the Poor. There were specific
conditions and later amendments to the A C ~ . ' ~
The North Castle Town Minutes reflect that the trend towards
manumission continued.
Some Records of Manumissions
On April 23, 1804 Isaac Webbers purchased a Negro man named Lew
from James Barker and Stephen Barker of White plains.I4 Webbers
promised that if after seven months Lew were dissatisfied staying with
him, then Lew could find someone else to buy him. Further, after three
years, "I will manimate him and he shall be free."
On February 6, 1808 Peter Lyon, Esq, set free a Negro woman slave
named Comfort. Daniel Tripp and David Dayton, Overseers of the Poor
for the Town, certified that Comfort appeared "to be about twenty-one
years of age and of sufficient ability to get her own living."I5
John May emancipated Rachel, a Mulatto girl, on October 10, 1808.16
William Jay, Editor, The Life and T i e s of John Jay, Volume 11, page 174,
New York, J.&S. Harper, 1833.
l3 Laws of the State of New York 1801, page 254.
l4 Historical Records North Castle, Volume 2, page 255, Armonk, Town of
North Castle, 1986.
Is Ibid.
"Ibid.
20
(Collection of Doris Finch Watson)
EMANCIPATION OF RACZIEL, A MULATTO GIRL (1808)
"This may certify that I, John May, of the Town of North Castle,
County of West Chester, State of New York, with the consent of the
Overseers of the Poor of the Town aforesaid, which consent and
approbation have been obtained, Do and by these presents have
Emancipated Rachel, a Mulatto Girl about the age of Sixteen, who
was the property of me. Witness present Samuel Miller."
On May 23, 1811 Thomas Ferris, "agreeable to the second section of the
act of the Legislature of State of New York concerning Slaves and
Servants passed the eighth of April 1801," freed a Negro man slave
named Cobe, apparently under the age of 50 years.'7 Nathaniel Purdy
freed a Negro man slave named Ickabade, age about 24 years, on March
7, 1815. James Banks freed a Mulatto man slave named Pomp, age
about 28 years, on Februaxy 15,1819.
John Smith, Innkeeper, freed a Negro woman slave named Peg, age
about 34 years, on February 21, 1818. Samuel Dibble freed a Mulatto
man slave named Thomas Dibble, age about 26 years, on October 3,
1822.''
l7
Ibid.
Ibid, page 262
On page 80 of Historical Records North Castle appears an undated side
note. Other entries on this page are for the year 1793. "Voted by voice
of the people that black Hany Danford so called, supposed to be the
propem of Samuel Lyon of Bedford, but now an Inhabitant of the Town
of North Castle if his said supposed Master should relinquish his right
and title to the above said Negro and sett him att his Liberty, he the said
Hany Danford was by a vote of the Town Meeting considered as a
Lawful1 Inhabitant thereof and should in case of old age or misfortune be
rendered incapable of maintaining himself, be provided for by the
Overseers of the Poor for the time being, the same as any other poor
person belonging to the Town of North ~ a s t l e . " ' ~
On April 7, 1789 Anthony Tripp, Senior, manumitted one Negro slave
named Tone, who appeared to be under fifty years old and "of sufficient
Abilities to git his own ~iving."~'
Peter Lyon, Esquire received certification on April 2, 1789 that two
Negro slaves, Isaac and Hannah, both appearing to be less than fifty
years of age, had been set free as he requested."
War
Indeed, the social trend toward manumission continued, and
conflicting opinions clashed in heated debate. The social premise
of 'who' decided 'what' for 'whom' grew into a political debate
concerning the rights of States vs. those of the Federal government.
The debate continued to divide the nation and later erupted into
armed conflict - the Civil War?2
Ibid, page 80.
Historical Records North Castlemew Castle, page B128.
" Ibid.
22 North Castle History, Volumes 15 and 16, 1988 and 1989, contain'a two-part
series, "The North Castle Hills" by Edythe Quinn Caro. Many locaI Negro
families sent men to fight in the Civil War. Also refer to North Castle Histon,
Volume 6, 1979, page 30 for a photograph teaken in White Plains about twenty
years after the Civil War ended. North Castle Veterans Willet Ackerman,
Thomas J. Ackerman, William Mathers, William B. Williams, John Palmer,
Samuel W. Palmer, Charles Raymond and Samuel Tucker are pictured.
l9
20
RYE LAKE BRIDGE, STATE ROAD ROUTE 22
During 2003 work to rebuild the Bridge has been underway.
editors could not resist a look back nearly one hundred years.
Your
The Bridge was initially constructed during 1910-1911 as a two-lane
bridge, 924 feet long with five spandrel arches.' Adding a lane to each
side in a cantilevered fashion widened the Bridge to four-lanes in 1938.~
Some residents have long preferred to "cross using the inside lanes"
because the "wings" were added after the Bridge was built.
(GannettWestchester Newspapers, Section G , August 12, 1979)
CONSTRUCTION DURING 1910-1911
I
(Collections of The Society, donated by Oliver Knapp, 1983)
ANOTHER VIEW OF CONSTRUCTION, 1910-1911
'
Kristine Edwards, P.E., Structures Group, Region 8, New York State
Department of Transportation, January 23,2004.
The North Castle Sun, August 18, 1938, publisher John N. Coffey.
23
HENKER'S FARM
by Leonard Pouder
June 20,1985'
Located on Bedford-Banksville Road near the Bedford line are almost
twenty-four acres that have been farnxed for two hundred years or more.2
At one time the land was cultivated for growing food for the French
Hospital, a makeshift hospital located across the streeL3
The present owners of the farm, Frank and Ernie Henker, are both now in
their early seventies and the years are starting to show, although their
Dutch blood seems to keep them going. Together, these two men have
cultivated these acres for more than forty-five years. For many years
they also cultivated another thirty acres in Armonk, which was used for
growing corn? The Henker's farm opens in early June and runs to late
October, when the last butternut squash are packed in wooden crates and
stored in the cold cellar for winter.
These men have such feeling for the land that it could not help but rub
off on me. They know every inch of soil on the farm - where the tractor
gets stuck and where the raccoons come in at night to feed on the sweet
corn.
Frank and Ernie h i e d me as soon as I received my first working papers
at age fifteen. I started after school and began with thinning out the
lettuce seedlings. The work was monotonous and my back ached. I
hated it. At first, I kept working only because I lived across the street. If
I quit, facing Frank and Ernie would be hard. But, slowly I began to
enjoy the work. There was so much satisfaction from going to work at
'
The author, a son of Aureiia ("Ray") and George Pouder, wrote on this topic in
1985 for a course at the New York Botanical Garden. He is the proprietor of the
family greenhouse and plant nursery, Lieb's Greenhouses, Inc. in New Rochelle.
According to the Erskin-DeWitt 1777 map the land was part of the John Banks
farm. Banks, Guion and Smith families held the land until 1919 when Elroy
Smith and wife, Mary Bush Hobby, sold to Lucien Jouvaud.
The North Castle Sun newspaper, December 10,1920, reported that the Sisters
of Charity of the French Hospital, New York were expected to move to the
former Elroy Smith farmhouse by the first week of 1921. Lucien Jouvaud
owned the property.
These acres were part of the Wenga F m purchased by TBM Corporation.
24
five thirty in the morning and persevering until six o'clock at night.
Being offered that symbolic gallon of warm, but sacred, water they kept
under the front seat of the Ford 600 was rewarding. Surprisingly,
unloading the afternoon delivery of manure from Frank's 1956 Chevy
flatbed was gratifying. The chore broke up the day and provided a good
excuse to go inside for a drink (and an opportunity to flirt with the girls).
During summer months these men worked eighty or more hours per
week, growing and picking their crops. They employed seven or eight
young men who helped pick and weed the vegetables. In the barn were
seven or eight young women who cleaned the vegetables and then
weighed them for the affluent clientele who patronized this farm. Yes,
the girls were the main topic of the boys' conversation while working in
the hot dusty fields.
(Collection of Doris Finch Watson)
GIRLS WASHING VEGETABLES, 1980s
When you walk down the long sloping driveway, on the left is the
farmhouse and off to the right are two barns, one for tractors and
machinery and the other for the sales area.
In the background past the bans and along the driveway stands a row of
Norway spruce that must have reached one hundred feet tall and the row
two hundred feet long. These massive trees, a haven for the crows,
spread their drooping branches bowing over the driveway. Beyond the
spnlce row, and to both sides, are fields of at least ten acres each.
1 was raised across the street from the Henker's Farm and have watched
the fanning seasons come and go for many years.
MAP SHOWING THE HENKER FARMLAND
THE HENKER FARM - 1992
(Collection of Mary Milo)
THE HENKER FARM - 1993
26
The summer mornings have been especially beautiful on the farm. I
picture the morning sun breaking through the midsummer haze and
reflecting off the wet corn leaves.
Often I recall the image of the mist hanging over the cornfield on an
early August morning. I see the cool autumn frost steam off the cut corn
stalks as the first sunlight warms them. And, I hear the Canada geese
breaking the quiet fall morning air with their calling as they come to
fatten up on the corn.
From my bedroom window each winter I could see the snow blowing
across the barren fields exposing four-inch corn stalks standing in perfect
rows that had been cut the fall before. There were snowdrifts of three or
four feet deep in other spots. After a snowstorm I could see Frank
ambling across the yard in his yellow raingear towards his Ford tractor.
Trailing behind him was a cloud of smoke from his White Owl cigar,
which he rolled across his mouth. In my memories, I can still hear the
muffled sound of his tractor as he began his morning task of plowing out
first himself and then a few neighbors. He charged a modest ten or
fifteen dollar fee for the service. As spring approached, the farm came to
life. The manure that was piled the previous summer was spread and the
first fields plowed. And, the farming cycle was reborn each year.
This last-of-a-kind lifestyle is disappearing. These men are the last of
the old time farmers. Talk is, they have sold the Farm. I don't really
know. . .
(Collections of The Society, donated by Steve Tomback, 2003)
"NENKERS FARM", 2003
Ten families are now making their homes where once the farmhouse
and barns stood and where once the corn and vegetables grew.
(Collections of The Society, donated by Helen and Ernie Henker 2003)
INSIDE THE SALES BUILDING, 1991
[I-r] Victor Mead, Frank Henker and Ernie Henker
(Collection of Mary Milo)
A VIEW OF THE FARM FROM BANKS FARM ROAD, 1989
(Collections of The Society, donated by Helen and Ernie Henker 2003)
IN FRONT OF THE SHOP BARN, 1991
[I-r] Frank Henker, Gertrude Henker Rohrhach and Ernie Henker
See "Wenker's Farm & the Banksville Fire Emblem" article herein.
28
HENKER'S FARM & THE BANKSVILLE FIRE EMBLEM
by Doris Finch Watson
North Castle Town Historian
Henker's Farm is no more. Today large homes dot the area, and
a busy lifestyle fills the place where once the Henker corn and other
vegetables grew in lush fields. There is one reminder of the Farm that
remains very much in evidence in a most unusual and active way.
The story goes back to 1949, the founding year of the Banksville
Independent Fire Company. The newly formed Company had purchased
their first fire truck, an old second-hand 1926 American LaFrance for
$318. It was housed in George Zygmont's garage on Banksville Avenue,
for it was before the first firehouse was built.
That first fire call for the Banksville Fire Company was at the
Henker Farm, where a bolt of lightning struck the barn. The new
Company responded and saved the barn. That call was not to be
forgotten, so years ago the Department adopted a meaningful seal. The
Fire Company emblem depicts a fire helmet with a bolt of lightning
emblazoned across it .. . a tribute to and a reminder of that first response
to Henker's Farm.
Today the emblem holds a very special place in the hearts of the
Banksville Firemen, and indeed, many Banksville residents. It appears
on the doors of all the various fire apparatus; it is on the Fire Department
stationery; the emblem appears on the fire shirts and uniforms; and the
emblem patches have been exchanged with other fire companies.
Perhaps the most interesting and unusual reminder of that Henker fire is
that several Banksville firemen have that emblem tattooed on their
shoulders! Thus. the storv of that first fire call and Henker's Farm will
not be forgotten.
n
Today, a new, larger Banksville
Firehouse is reaching completion, and
appeals are going out to the community
for financial support. But one thing will
not change: the emblem of the lightning
bolt at Henker's Farm will always
remain.. .
A SALUTE TO JOHN SCHNOOR
by Sharon Tomback
John was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 30, 1917. His family
moved to Armonk in 1917 when his father, Harry, became
superintendent on an estate known as "Red Brook Farm", owned by
States ~ o m ~ k i n s . '
From an early age John was active in his community. As a boy he was a
member of the Boy Scouts and then later the Lions Club, Armonk Fire
Company, American Legion Post 1097, Whippoorwill Country Club and,
of course, The North Castle Historical Society.
John attended the one-room Coman Hill School, the Whippoorwill
~
school he worked at
School and Pleasantville High ~ c h o o l .Following
various jobs, including construction and milk delivery for R.B. Henry,
Valhalla.
In 1940 he and Eleanor Farrington were married. John referred to
Eleanor as "a local girl" because the Farringtons were long-time h o n k
residents. John and Eleanor celebrated their 60" wedding anniversary on
September 7,2000.
During World War I1 John served in the 8" Armored Division and the
Air COT. After discharge in December 1945, he opened a small
appliance and service store on Main Street in Armonk where the Shell
Service Station is located today. Later he built and moved into a
building on Main Street, and with C. Nash Reid, owned and operated a
hardware and appliance store. In the early 1950s John sold his share of
the business and buildings to C. Nash Reid and began his consmction
business.
He built many homes and commercial buildings in h o n k and the
surrounding area. John developed the Remsen Farm on Banksville Road
and some of the Walter S. Gifford property on Round Hill Road.
' Located on Route 22 near present-day Red Brook Place.
' Refer to North Castle Historv, Volume 5, 1978, and Volume 24,
articles concerning the schools.
30
1997 for
Over the years he did volunteer services for St. Stephen's Church and
Rectory, St. Patrick's Church, the American Legion, the Town of North
Castle Bi-Centennial Celebration of 1976, and The North Castle
Historical Society. The Armonk Eagle was a "pet project" for John. He
served on the committee to build and then erect the Eagle; he donated the
lumber and steel for the Eagle. And, twice he helped lower, repair and
re-paint the ~ a ~ l e . ~
John served as Chairman of the Architectural Board of Review for the
Town of North Castle. He was a tireless worker. He advocated a
building set hack of 10 feet along Main Street as well as a 25-foot rightof-way for rear deliveries to buildings along Main Street.
As chairman of restoration and maintenance for The North Castle
Historical
John directed the restoration of the interior of
Smith's Tavern; the moving and rebuilding of the Bmndage Blacksmith
Shop; the moving and restoration of the East Middle Patent One-Room
Schoolhouse and the moving and restoration of The 1798 Quaker
Meeting House. He loved the ancient buildings of The Society, and the
buildings flourished under his care.5
Society members Ed and Ilse ~ u c k e r wrote
t ~ in memory of John that he
was "a man whose dedication and hard work represented the spirit and
vision of The Society. His sparkling eyes revealed his loving inner
nature. His integrity, intensity, sincerity, courage, and dedication will
always be remembered. John was the salt of the earth."
In 1993 the Armonk Lions Club recognized John's community service.
He received the Pat J. Bresha Distinguished Service Award. In October
2003 The Society hosted a memorial tribute honoring John and fellow
Tmstee Marguerite Hopkins Lewis.
Becky Kttredge7, who grew up in Armonk, knew John well. John built
her home. She reports that whenever she has work done in the house the
Refer to North Castle Histo~y,Volume 23, 1996.
John served as a Trustee of The Society for twenty years and as Vice President
for seven years from 1984 through 1990.
* Refer to North Castle Histom, Volumes 4, 1977; 8, 1981; 10, 1983; 13, 1986;
and 22, 1995 for articles describing these ancient buildings.
Friends of John and Eleanor for many years.
Becky is a Trustee of The Society and serves on the No~thCastle Town Board.
31
contractors compliment her on the quality of the material and
workmanship in the construction, and say that the house is as solid as a
rock.
Bumpy ~ a ~ l o r 'a, friend of John and Eleanor before "dating days,"
remembers that John, Frank elli is' and he were the three musketeers.
Their adventures were legendary. In the 1930s the rage was to see who
could sit in a tree longer. John and Bumpy tried tree sitting - before it
became an environmental protest movement.'' The three friends and
their dates frequented a dance club at Mt. Beacon, which featured cable
car access. Bumpy remembers that Eleanor was a good dancing partner
and that she taught him to dance when they were in high school in
Pleasantville. In 1936 John, Frank and Bumpy went off in John's new
Ford to survey the damage caused by the Great Flood in Hartford. John
usually drove fast, but this time he flew -- 75 miles in 74 minutes - on
Route 22! (. . . or so they claimed!)
We have many happy memories of John. He was a good friend.
(Collections of The Society)
JOHN SCHNOOR, 1986
'
Erling J. "Bumpy" Taylor is a past Trustee of The Society as well as a past
recipient of the Pat 3. Bresha Distinguished Service Award.
Sadly, Frank Nellis was killed in WWII.
lo They strategically built their platform in a tree in front of the Old Waterbury
house, across from a restaurant owned by John's father, Harry, who kept them
well fed. (The restaurant was across from the present-day Sheep Shack.)
32
THE HENKER FARM
Bedford-BanksvilleRoad
Going to the Henker Farm for early corn and summer tomatoes was a 'rite
of passage' every year from the late 1930s until the mid 1980s. Patrons
came from all over Westchester as well as Connecticut. Neighbors came
not only to buy, hut also to visit.
In 1937 the Henker family purchased their property from Mutual Trust
Bank of Port Chester, New York. They built the farmhouse and out
buildings and moved into the new farmhouse in 1939. That same year Mr.
Henker, Senior (Adolfl passed away. Mrs. Henker, Senior (Emilie) died in
1976 at the age of 95.
Mr. and Mrs. Erwin B. (Ernie) Henker, who are living in Bedford, have
graciously shared information with The Society. Ernie and Helen
(Progreske) Henker have been married forty-nine years and have two sons,
Jim and Tom, and two granddaughters, Dominqne Lynn and Tiffany Lynn.
Mr. Henker's sister, Gertrude Rohrbach, lives in Port Angelis, Washington
and is still in the farming business - at the age of 88 years. Sadly, their
brother Frank (Irranz 6.)died in May 2003. He is buried in Middle Patent
Rural Cemetery, Banksville - near the family farm.
Ernie remembers the day the shop barn was struck hy lightning. The
lightning traveled through cans of nails that were on a workbench and
melted the nails together; it melted teeth from saws; and it finally traveled
to a can of paint, which exploded and started the fire. He telephoned the
new Banksville Fire Company. The barn was saved.
Please forward any corrections or additions to the information presented
herein and/or your constructive saggestiorts for improving this publication to
your editorial board af The North Custle Historical Society, Smith's Tavern,
440 Bedford Road, Armonk, New York 20504. If you would be willing to
research and/or author an article, please let us know. Dgferent writers and
diverse perspectives are vital.
Reprints of North Castle Historx may be ordered from
THE NORTH CASTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
440 Bedford Road
Armonk, New York 10504
914-273-4510